Diego Luna: Embracing Vulnerability and Growth in Soccer

omidbasir- For as long as Diego Luna has been in the public eye, he has remained authentically himself. His body is adorned with tattoos, each symbolizing a significant moment in his life. Luna began getting inked at a young age, viewing each tattoo as a commitment to himself and to the game of soccer. Through this sport, he has traveled farther than he ever imagined, discovering a version of himself he never knew existed.

Prior to his rise to fame, Luna was notably shy. He worked part-time at a coffee shop to cultivate his people skills and build confidence. The persona he projected on the field often masked a different reality off the field. Today, however, the two aspects of his identity have converged. This recognition not only acknowledges his achievements but also the work Luna has done to make his journey visible to others.

“This year has focused on individual mental health,” he shares. “It’s about acknowledging struggles, seeking help, and ultimately feeling better about my experiences. I take pride in reflecting on my journey.”

Luna is aware that sharing positive moments is easy, but he feels the need to address the lows as well. Despite having the best professional year of his career, he acknowledges that challenges persist.

The highlights are evident: the broken nose incident during the January camp that established him as a USMNT favorite, a series of crucial goals during the Gold Cup, and a standout performance against Uruguay that showcased his skill on the international stage. Yet, amidst these triumphs, Luna recognizes the quieter, more challenging moments that often go unnoticed.

“There are many difficulties I could discuss, from family relationships to my performance on the field,” he notes. “I could recount my highs in a few minutes, but my lows could take an hour to explain.”

Recently, after contributing nine goals and seven assists to lead Real Salt Lake to the MLS playoffs, the abrupt end of their season following a 3-1 loss to the Portland Timbers was emotionally taxing for Luna. He yearned to keep competing, only to see that aspiration vanish in a single match.

In the weeks that followed, Luna dedicated himself to training in solitude, showing up daily at RSL’s facility to work hard in silence. “It’s disheartening to grind for weeks without anyone noticing,” he admits. “But I understand that my hard work will eventually pay off.”

Indeed, Luna’s efforts bore fruit, and he made a significant impact in the USMNT roster, playing more games than any other player in 2025. His resilience was recognized by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who praised Luna’s courage when he played through adversity.

“Each international cap feels better than the last,” Luna reflects. “It’s one of the top feelings in life.”

Goals, for Luna, represent far more than mere statistics; they embody achievements that extend beyond personal glory. “Scoring signifies building a career and providing for my family,” he elaborates. “It’s a feeling that I will never tire of.”

Luna’s offseason began shortly after his goal against Uruguay, but he carries the momentum of that success into this break, driven by the desire for more.

Looking back at his 2024 season, which included an All-Star nod and being named MLS Young Player of the Year, Luna still felt unfulfilled. “I believe that I performed at an average level; it’s just the baseline for me. I aim to improve this year.”

As he prepares for 2026, a year with a World Cup on the horizon, Luna recognizes the importance of continuous growth: “This offseason is crucial. I see it as a preseason to my preseason. I want to balance family time with hard work and preparation for what could be an extraordinary year.”

This mindset propelled him to new heights in 2025. As he opens up about his journey and embraces his true self, Luna is ready to face the challenges ahead. Whatever comes his way, he will tackle it with openness and determination—that is simply who he is.